«Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’ » (John 20: 19).
ACCORDING TO TODAYS VERSE, by the time the disciples were assembled, the Lord had already risen and appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18). Peter (Luke 24:34) and the two disciples who were on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13—32). However, the Bible says they were assembled «for fear of the Jews.» Didn’t they know that the tomb was empty and that some of them had already seen Him?
Today’s verse indirectly indicates that the Lord’s resurrection was not the disciples’ invention in retrospect, simply because they were not expecting him to resurrect. Moreover, when evidence of the Lord’s resurrection began to appear, it could even be said that they were reluctant to accept it. Do you recall the words of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus? They knew the women had found the empty tomb; and they knew of the angels’ testimony. They also knew that certain disciples had proven that the tomb was empty. But they did not believe because they did not see Him (see Luke 24:22—24). No wonder the Lord called them «slow of heart to believe!»
But the time came in which they would personally see Him. It happened when ten disciples—everyone, except Thomas—were assembled behind closed doors, probably in the Upper Room. Then, the Scriptures say, «Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you. . . As the Father has sent Me, I also send you’ » (John 20: 19, 21). Indescribable joy filled their hearts and, with holy fervor, they set off to powerfully preach the good news of a Savior they had just witnessed overcome the chains of death.
What led those first disciples to the point they would even give their life for their dear Lord? More than the empty tomb, it was the fact that they had seen the Lord! Michael Green said it well: those first disciples «did not believe in His resurrection because the tomb was empty. They believed because they had personally encountered the risen Jesus.»
Our faith rests on a firm foundation: although he died and was buried, our Savior is alive: alive to transform our lives; alive to intercede for us; alive to forgive our sins; alive to take us to live with Him forever. That is truly good news!
Dear Jesus, I praise You because nothing in this universe can withstand Your power. I will gladly proclaim that You are worthy to receive honor and glory, for ever and ever, amen.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
